-
10 Questions with ... John 'Austin' Lubeck
January 27, 2009
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
NAME:John 'Austin' LubeckPOSITION:Nights/Imaging DirectorSTATION:WNOU-FM Radio Now 100.9MARKET:IndianapolisOWNER:Radio One
Please outline your radio career so far:
6/99-9/00: WJPZ (Z-89)/Syracuse, on-air/promotions
9/00-12/02: WWHT (Hot 107)/Syracuse weekends/swing
10/02-12/02: WKSE (Kiss 98.5)/Buffalo weekends/swing
10/02-12/02: WKST (96.1 Kiss-FM)/Pittsburgh, weekends
12/02-5/04: CKEY (Wild 101)/Buffalo, on-air/production
5/04-11/07: WBTS (95.5 The Beat)/Atlanta, evenings, imaging assistant
12/07-present: WNOU (Radio Now 100.)/Indianapolis, IN, evenings/Imaging Director1) What led you to a career in radio?
When I was 16, my high school offered a summer internship at Z-89 (WJPZ), Syracuse University's student-run radio station. I racked up tons of parking tickets on the S.U. Hill and wasn't even getting paid ... I didn't care! I knew RADIO was going to be my Winona.
2) What makes your station unique? How would you compare it to other stations you've worked at?
Radio Now 100.9 is the anti-radio station. Tim "Rayne" Rainey is a great leader; he encourages PERSONALITY! It's a rush to go into work and get to do whatever you want on the air. I think with every station I've been at, I've learned something valuable to take with me. I have had so many great PDs (Phil Becker, Jason Kidd, Cagle, Bristol and Rayne).
3) Are you wearing more "hats" than you have in the past?
YES! I host "The Big Ass Night Show," do a Sunday Countdown mix show (Studio 40), serve as Imaging Director and have my own TV show. Radio One (Indianapolis) owns a TV station: Indy's Music Channel (It's like MTV, but we actually play music videos!). I have always wanted to do TV and it has been a great experience, so watch out, Seacrest!
My favorite part of the job? I'm an imaging nerd at heart. This week we are doing a complete station re-image; it's going to be a lot of fun to start from scratch. If you need a great service, my boy Maverick (IMAGING GOD) has Ready2Go.com and atownsound.com. I swear by em'!
4) What's one thing that would surprise many people to learn about you?
I used to weigh 247 pounds! It's been about three years since I dropped almost 100 lbs and quit smoking. No one ever believes my before-and-afters photo! I work out six days a week and eat a balanced diet.
5) Could you give us a little insight into your on-air staff?
Our staff is like an all-star lineup.
We have the legendary Scotty Davis in the Morning Show. Scotty, McKinzie and Shy are cutting edge, hip, funny and most important, REAL. The listeners have really connected and the ratings prove it!
Reka is our midday diva from Seattle; she brings real attitude and personality every day. Reka is a rising star and there's no question that she will end up in a HUGGGGEE market someday!
Rayne is our fearless leader and afternoon guy. He is one of the youngest PDs I have ever worked for, but you wouldn't know that. He is wise way beyond his years. His ideas are CRAZY OUTSIDE THE BOX! We have fun ... work ... then have fun again.
Got to shout out to all our mixers! D.J. Orion and Indiana Jones are the guys who mix my Sunday Countdown Mix show (Studio 40). They do a killer job and bring years of experience and knowledge to the 1s and 2s. Can't forget Tec and Cool Hand Lex, who help out with "The Friday Vibe Mix Show" 8p every Friday night!
6) If you could add one full-time position to your budget right now, what would it be?
Full-time stunt person/sidekick/co-host for my show. I love having a BIG sound at night, hence the name "Big Ass Night Show." I've got a great cast of people who make the show what it is: AT, Slater and Alana!
7) Who is your favorite air personality not on your staff and why do you like them?
If I have to name just one then I am going to combine a bunch of names --Javajoelkanejulianstjohn, HA! Those guys are what radio should sound like!
8) What was your favorite station to listen to when you were a kid?
Hot 107.9 Syracuse! It is my hometown station I dreamed of working at. The dream came true. So many great talents came from HOT! Java Joel, Kane, Jordan, Chris Mann, Dakota, Kobe Austin, MJ, Jason Kidd ... the list goes on and on!
9) What would you like to do to save radio from its "dying-industry" image?
Let's bring back personality, focus on less clutter and evolve. I think more DJs should embrace other forms of media -- blogs, web, video, etc. Listeners love to see what's behind all the smoke and mirrors.
I film almost everything! Check out my YouTube page and become a subscriber! We got funny videos, stunts, spoofs and more! http://www.youtube.com/user/RadioNOWsNightShow
10) What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A Ghostbuster. I had the proton pack, car, house and attitude to bust ghosts!
-
-